The Hunt

Steel Pack Alphas #2

by Reece Barden

When the pack is under threat, Max is tasked with finding the man determined to take down his alpha and destroy his home. He'll never let that happen, even if that means working with Sharon, the council witch he's never quite trusted. Sharon's trying to make up for putting the Steel pack's luna in danger, but Max, their stubborn beta, is making it extremely difficult. He refuses to believe she's really there to help, but while they hunt their mutual enemy, they'll have no choice but to have each other's backs. The only thing they have in common is the handsome rancher who wants them both. But will that be enough to make them put their differences aside? Because they'll need to work together if they want to make it back alive.

Light MMF with some sword crossing, dual POV, wolf shifter, bear shifter, vampires and witches. This one has it all.#forced proximity #enemies to lovers #paranormal romance #wolfshifter #shapeshifter

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Witches

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Reece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.

She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.

She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.

Reviews

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You’re going to be mine. No matter what happens, you’re my mate. And I’m yours.”

Reece’s best book yet! I loved her dip into MM action with this MMF, everyone is mates, romance.

A little angsty, but still with the sweet and possessive males that Reece is known for.

Medium burn and spicy with MF, MFM, and some mild MM and MMF moments.

These three get their HEA but there is still more to come for the Steel pack! Looking forward to Tyson and Mandy’s story.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Fated mates, wolf shifters, vampires, hidden identity, mating bites, MM biawakening
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MMF, medium burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Interconnected standalone, HEA for the MCs
TW/CW: Listed in book

[Toshita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I was expecting with this book. Especially knowing about the whole MFM/MMF situation but overall it was good? Maybe not good, but also not terrible. Okay, it was okay. I feel like Max and Sharon had such a good base for a good story and a good relationship that the third party in their relationship felt a little unnecessary. Like the story would have probably been just as good with just the two of them, if not better. But I can see why the third person was needed cause it sets up things in framework of the overarching story that's being built in this series and the Grey Ridge series. So while I get why the choice was made, I am not a fan of it. The set up for the next book in the series was totally unexpected and now I'm actually looking forward to reading it. I don't wanna spoil anything so see what I mean here: I'm just such a sucker for a redemption arc (see Zuko being one my favorite characters of all time) and so I am soooo looking forward to Tyson's story cause I see a redemption arc on the horizon. I just hope it's satisfying.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟
I quite enjoyed this one, I liked the different perspective, and that it was Sharon🧙‍♀️ a hybrid werewolf/witch and her love story with her soul mates, I quite enjoyed how they did this one, this one definitely had a lot more spice. I felt like it would have been just as good with just max. There was 3 of them, I wasn't sure how they were going to intertwine them, they did it in a very interesting way, and I think it really added more to the book. I just don't know if it really needed to be there, but I guess for those who like multiple mates, this is perfect for you.


wolf shifter, bear shifter, vampires and witches.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hunt

Well that made me squirm. I was definitely blushing through approx 83% of this book. And gasping & on the edge of my set the other 17%.

Another great story though I got whiplash by how fast Max & Sharon were attracted to each other. I get the HOW, but it happened SOOO fast for me...can't wait to see where this goes with Tyson.

[Amanda Van Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunt is the second installment of The Steele Pack series. I highly recommend reading The Chase first as this book picks up where the first left off and some references could be confusing to a new reader.

The good: As always, Ms Barden throws you right into the middle of the action. The story begins with Max and Sharon trying to diffuse the Tyson situation. Max is suspicious of Sharon and her motivation for staying on pack land considering she is a hybrid wolf/witch and on the council. Sharon, on the other hand, is determined to help, but she has a secret that she is worried Max will uncover. Eventually, the two are forced to work together to find out what Tyson is up to and stumble on a bigger problem - a rogue vampire and a mate bond that goes 3 ways? The story then deep dives into the budding relationship between Sharon, Max, and Matt, and things get very steamy very quickly.

The bad: While I love the overall story, I did feel a little less than satisfied with the Tyson resolution. While I understand the author was attempting to redeem his character, the resolution felt too easy and a bit underwhelming. After the very complex build-up, we were left with a lot of questions about his character. My assumption is that those questions will be addressed in the 3rd installment since it features Tyson.

In conclusion, The Hunt is a solid story with a complex plot and lots of steam. It does feature scenes with a combination of all 3 characters, including MM and MMF. If that is a trigger, I would skip this book and pick up the story The Kill or skip those parts as they are near the end.

[The Book Collector · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely unexpected. Not into MMF type of books but I gave it a go. It was more like a triad type of relationship than a full on MMF relationship. They were equally mated between the 3 of them.

As for the story itself. Definitely added more. All the book align. Wonder how Tyson & Mandy’s story plays out next.

[He11zbelles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not good or bad. Very sweet but kind of boring.

[Lisa Sanderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book was a disappointment

[Dionne A. Blue · Rating 1 out of 5]

not for me

No, just no. I don’t understand what was written about Max, Raiden, and Matt. I am uninterested in those kind of relationships.

[Courtney McNeil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really care for the Max and Matt relationship 😕 I get his bear chose him but that wasn't fair to Sharon is fated mate

[Kelly Eudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
5/5⭐️
3/5🔥

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖(𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳):
MMF/multi POV/HEA/enemies to lovers(ish)/dark elements/paranormal/shifters/witches/vampires/biting/marking/possessive/fated mates/forced prox/breeding

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is book two of the Steel Pack Alphas. While each book does follow a new couple, it is suggested to read the books in order ad the story arc continues throughout the series.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
After Sharon’s secrets are revealed, Max finds Sharon less than trustworthy so having her in their pack house bothers him greatly. While Sharon never personally did anything to Max’s pack, she understands his attitude towards her. What Max doesn’t count on is his jealousy when she starts showing her attraction to a town local, Matt. Even more so… being attracted to Matt himself. 😏
With Tyson’s threat still looming over the pack Max and Sharon must work together to hunt for Tyson before he can get to Blake and Zoe.

This book gripped me from the very beginning and I could not put it down. Bringing all the suspense, spice, magic and mating. I’ve loved Max since we met him in Grey Ridge so I was super ready for his book. Max was a bit of a grump but we definitely got to see his charming side some out to play. I knew this book was also going to increase the paranormal species we’ve encountered so far. Seeing those additions was thrilling. I loved the tension between Max and Sharon, wound tight and ready to snap. I loved how open Matt was with his sexuality and went for what he wanted. I also loved the power dynamic flipping between Max and Matt. I was not fully prepared to come out of this book liking and feeling sorry for Tyson.. but I stand corrected and I’m super excited for his book!


** 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 … 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 =𝘋 **


𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:

With Sharon, there is this feeling of certainty. It is like we both know what’s going to happen and we’re just along for the ride. Max on the other hand is like a flame I know I shouldn’t touch, but I’m drawn to it anyway.

“I’ve just found my fated mate, and she’s naked and unmarked in my arms.” I dip one finger inside her. “Do you really think I can rest?” I hum in pleasure at the feel of her warm, tight heat. When I finally get inside her, it’s going to feel like heaven. “Tell me I can take you.”

“She does. But ignore the blood. Her pussy smells even better, doesn’t it? Can you scent her arousal? How much she wants you? But only buried deep inside her for now?”

“Did you let him come inside you? Have you let him feel your perfect cunt milking him dry?”

[BookLover23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

*spoilers*

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that this a paranormal romance so mating and sex will be included, but this fell flat which is a shame because I enjoyed the first few books in the Shifters of Grey Ridge series. Max has appeared in previous books so I was excited to read his story, but I finished this book feeling like there could have been more depth to his story and more romance in general.

The switch from Max and Sharon hating each other to being in love was way too fast, mating bond or not. It was too unrealistic especially because Sharon wasn’t even who she said she was. I expected some sort of build up such as them getting to know more about each other or at least being friends. Also, Matt accepted his new fate way too easily for someone who knew absolutely nothing about paranormals. I expected a longer adjustment period.

Almost all their interactions was just sex and no deep conversations which was disappointing. A balance would’ve been more enjoyable to read. The plot wasn’t as strong as it could’ve been, it moved slowly, and other characters took up space that could’ve been used to develop Max, Sharon, and Matt’s characters.

Side note: Matt and Max having similar names was sometimes confusing especially when switching POVs.

[Becca Lahr · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the fuck was this.

i LOVE a MMF story. literally LOVE, but that the fuck was this bullshit.

i was so excited for max’s story and to see him finally find love. i really liked his character in previous books, but man it just FLOPPED HERE. like what do you mean he’s being so randomly mean to sharon. what do you mean he’s a total jerk. like this was such a 180 that it made no sense.

sharon’s character bugged the shit out of me. so damsel in distress, so helpless for what??? and i was here for the age gap only for that to be taken away. she was only beautiful when she was young again?!? like WTF.

i was also so hopeful for matt, but like what the hell. now hes a vamp and i have no clue what’s even happening.

the plot in this was worse than the others. like the beginning just dragged and then the end of the book didn’t even feel finished. this felt like she posted a draft. i got to the end and was SO confused we were done. there should have been an additional like 100 pages. the relationship and dynamic were never worked out, i still don’t know if max even wants matt, and don’t claim this is MMF when they two mmcs don’t even really get together. this was closer to MFM than anything.

this was so poorly written save yourself and never read it. officially done with this series.

[Debs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time in this series we have a MFM situation, hopefully it will be the last too.
I mean:
If we consider it a stand alone erotica book, the spice is good, there is a lot MF and MFM and some MMF action, some MM action with a scene of penetrative MM sex in the bonus chapter.
So as erotica it’s good
But if you read it for the plot, prolly coming from the other Grey shifters and Steel books, the plot here is really weak: we read more than 10 books describing how strong and sacred the mate bond is, just to be kind of disrespected here, “he’s part wolf part bear so..sbam..2 mates, happy family of three” while in previous books it was painful for a mated one to watch their mate get touched even by a totally platonic friend or a sibling as their jealousy was immediately off the charts.
I get the author is trying to do something different and not to repeat the same dynamic over and over but this book wasn’t at all coherent with what we know about that world.
Even Tyson part, a big preparation, two books preparing us for this bad guy trying to disrupt the peace to have him go away with his mate and bye bye to everyone. Quite nonsense
So: this was 4 ⭐️ as a stand-alone erotica, less than 2 ⭐️ as a part of those series so I’ll be generous and give it a 3 ⭐️

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story about mates

This is book six of the series and I am enjoying reading them all. It’s like being part of the ever growing family. This book focuses on Alpha Blake, Max, Sharon, Matt, and Noah. There is an overarching storyline with multiple villains. Back to Alpha Blake, he has someone angry with him who does not know the truth about the past. Now that Alpha Blake mated with Zoe the council is worried about her bloodline. Max and Sharon decide to go off on an expedition to try to protect Alpha Blake, Zoe, and the pack. But now we now that there are more supernatural creatures roaming in the forests between packs. Some council members are unwilling to get involved in the danger; this was shocking to me. Next there is Matt, who is Zoey’s ex-boyfriend, who is attracted to Sharon and Max. And then Max realizes that he is attracted to Sharon (later known as Raiden) too. It is quite the romantic relationship between these three. I liked that they were mature about their relationship and gave each other choices. There are fun times and some dangerous times. There is a happy ending. Read On!

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon has to work with Max for the security of the pack but, both have to decide if they want to be just with each other or with each other and Matt!
You finally get to find out what sort of people Sharon, Max and Matt are. You always had an idea but never really knew them.
Sharon is loyal and caring but has a few secrets of her own. Max is also loyal and dependable whilst Matt is the strong and silent and just as sexy as Max.
I find that Reece can put your emotions through the wringer and yet at the same time, at the end of the story, you are emotionally radiant! She introduces you to the three main characters without any expectations. This book has its own unique storyline but continues to feed into the series story arc. The scenes are fun and flirty with an undertone of seriousness as the battle with Tyson is looming.
This is an emotional story that hooks you in and keeps you engrossed until the final page. This is another great addition to the series!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I was hoping for and more. Rarely do I find a book like this with a great story and relationships. I loved Sharon, Max, and Matt's relationship. The tension and the buildup within the story had me hooked. All three characters intermingled and had an equal amount of shared points of view as the story went on. Juggling three characters and a relationship is no easy task, and it never skipped a beat. I really liked that it showed that not all shifters follow just the one path to their mate. It was great that there is a possibility of two mates and that those kinds of relationships aren't uncommon in this world. Although I'm not sure where the story goes from here for Max and Blake, it has me stumped. Everything seems to have calmed, and yet the story isn't over. Putting down any of these books is almost impossible, and I cannot wait for the finale.

[Rachell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smokes this book is super hot! I am so happy that Matt was included in these books and plays a bigger role in this book. Finally!!

We all know Max is the biker bad boy beta for Alpha Blake and known to be flirty and fun and good hearted. That is until he is forced to accept that the council's witch moves onto pack territory and he doesn't trust her. Sharon has a secret that could jeopardize her friendly welcome with the pack and especially their beta.

Sharon and Max are confused by their heated draw to eachother other while also hating eachother at the same time. Sharon meets Matt while out for a girls night with Zoe and sparks fly between the two. Sparks also fly between Max and Matt...which confuses our bad boy beta and also makes him jealous.

Phew, this story is hot, hot, hot. I absolutely loved this book.

[Silke K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is the beta

Max has been Blake's beta for many years. He had hoped to find his mate someday. Seeing Blake happily mated has softened that idea.
Sharon is a wolf/witch hybrid that is also a counsel member. She's staying with the pack, much to his dismay. Max is not convinced she's not up to something. He challenges her at every turn.
Sharon keeps up a glamour on herself. She is really, Raiden. She made herself look like her older sister, when the counsel members came to offer her sister a spot in the counsel. Her sister didn't want it, she did.
Raiden had confusing feelings for Max, she was drawn to him.
I liked the book as a whole, but not how she was all over Matt at first. I felt for Max, who was struggling with his feelings. Both for Raiden and Matt.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why?!?! (possible spoilers)

I loved this series because of the masculine passion, love, and devotion of previous alphas. I had such hope for Max’s story with him being Blake’s beta. His character was a teaser in previous books of the series and I loved his personality and sense of humor. I wanted to find out more about him and how he would find his fated mate. I don’t know why the author turned this into a three way (MMF). It stole the concept of genuine fated mates from this series. Since when in the animal kingdom are animals (especially bears) attracted to the same sex?

I ended up skipping through only to find out what happens between Blake, Tyson and Mandy.

Unfortunately, this story kind of turned me off to the series.

[Hannah Avendaño · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely devouring this series. I love every character and I love the fated mates and I adore the constant overarching plot lines that have me hooked! No cliffhangers, only an amazing story that we keep getting new perspectives and developments in the bad guys and so many cool things always happening. Loving this. Don’t like a MM combo, and I’m surprised and shocked that the MMF dynamic actually ended up working in this book. I thought they’d have to be chosen mates for that combo, but it was well-written. My preference would have been a MFM because I love a reverse harem, but I don’t wanna read a gay romance- that’s a separate genre and I don’t like it bleeding into everything. Otherwise, completely loving these books.

[H.D. Bergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in Alpha Blake Steel's pack, we pick off where we left in book one. Tyson is still on the loose and Blake wants to hunt him down.

The council is not proving to be very helpful, and his trustworthy beta wolf/bear shifter Max, comes up with a plan to find him. Taking the witch Sharon on the quest, they find Matt, Zoe's ex, who as collateral damage between the vampires and wolves, becomes a supernatural himself.

Max finds more than he signed up for, or even thought possible when his affections are shared between two people he never expected.

Masks drop, feelings interfere, and Max is left with questions and twice the mate bond. Who will he choose? Or can he have both?

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than what I was anticipating. I was curious how they would make a three way mate situation work but it did make sense with Max being part wolf and part bear. The three way SS were better than what I was anticipating. I liked how Max had to work through his acceptance of being with a man too. Highlight would be when Matt gets attacked and turned. Then Sharon loses her disguise and they find out they are mates but Matt has to feed. Then Tyson shows up to organize the mess. I do like how Mandy and Noah’s story is tied in. I had a suspicion that Tyson and Mandy were somehow involved together. Really liked the character of Noah coming into himself and his relationship with Max.

[Jen Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

well-written & engaging but not 100% for me

I’ve really been enjoying this series—the writing is strong, the world-building is fun, and the characters pulled me in right from the start. However, once the vampire element and the double-mating storyline were introduced, it drifted a bit outside my personal taste. That said, the author’s talent still shines, and I know plenty of readers will absolutely love the direction it takes. Just wasn’t a perfect fit for me, but still a well-written and engaging read overall!

[dahliajoyy]

Marking as DNF 23%. But may come back to finish? Not sure I like the MFM MM, which is starting to surface. I’d love to read Tyson’s story coming up so may persevere to fully appreciate his book... Undecided.

Kindle suggested this book up next as i was reading Shifters of Grey Ridge series. (I didn’t realize this book (and Blake’s) is its own series but assume it fits in chronologically…) I’m skipping this one to switch back to Shifters of Grey Ridge series and Ethan’s story, as I have enjoyed them so far!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg
I love love love this book, better then the previous. I had forgotten what had happened in other book but as i read it came back to me. This is a mmf book so if your not into that then dont bother.
The bit i dont like about this book is what happens to Matt, but others will like it. It doesnt damage the story only enhances it but its just my own view.
The mm scenes are very hot so again if not into that dont read the book.
We also see another side to someone and you actually start to like them

[She Dreams In Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!

What a lucky witch Sharon is! Max is drool worthy. Matt is all spicy goodness. I could not wait to read Max’s story and Reece did not disappoint. I knew it would be good but it was even better than I had anticipated. Many surprises kept my excited going throughout the entire book. A great story leading on from The Chase, fantastic plot, great characters, and underwear melting scenes has made my day. 🥵🖤

[turn_the_page_lady. (sue mc) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and thinks it’s a great follow up to the first book in this series.
Max, Sharon and the lovely Matt are caught up in a world of vampires, wolves, beats and witches! I love the dynamic of Max and Sharon but adding Matt to the mix was great and a real different take on the usual shifter romances. Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for Tyson’s story. Great read - highly recommended

[Katrine Ladefoged · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book and it’s even better the second time around 😍
I love the MMF in this - the combination of love and the found family aspect❤️
We love some strong men who is soft for their woman and who enjoys the battle of dominance with each other
I also love the different paranormal aspect of this book, you have a vampire, a wolf/witch shifter and a wolf/bear shifter ✨
I especially love the epilogue and what it hopefully leads to 🫶🏼

[Vicki Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Really loved Max from previous books an knew this was going to be a good one especially discovering his mate was there for ages and he didn’t no, so glad they got there happy ending with the addition of Matt. Can’t wait for more in the series and would love to learn more about Noah as he gets older. Would defo recommend